Bernard F Poracky M.D.

Bernard Francis Poracky, M.D. (“Ben”) retired Physician and Surgeon of Ogden Dunes, Indiana passed away at home on July 23, 2014. Ben was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Mae (Meyers) Poracky, RN. He is survived by his loving children: son John Poracky (Liz Finan) Chesterton, IN, grandchildren Rachel (Chicago) & John of (Houston); daughter Jean Haley (James) Oak Brook, IL; son Paul Poracky (Jennifer Miller) Ogden Dunes, IN grandchildren, Lara, Dana, Molly; and Daughter Ann Adams (James) St. Charles, IL, grandchildren Brian (Charlotte, NC) & Elizabeth. Ben is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Poracky) Hoover (Whiting, IN) and long time caregiver Maria Barbara Horoszko. Ben was preceded in Death by his father John Poracky, mother Mary (Skurka) Poracky, brother Andrew Poracky & sister-in-law Mary (Jancosek) Poracky, sister Emma Pers and John Pers, brother-in-law, sister Ann Vrabel and George Vrabel, brother-in-law, sister Leona Zientara & Joe Zientara, brother-in-law and sister Mary Jane Macnak & Joe Macnak, brother-in-law. Born January 29, 1924 in Whiting, IN attended St. John the Baptist Grade School and Whiting High School. Ben was President of his Junior Class and was President of the National Honor Society. Ben excelled in Academics graduating in 1941 at age 16. Ben attended Indiana University School of Medicine and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Medicine (1944) and Doctor of Medicine (1946). Ben was the youngest Doctor to have ever graduated from the Indiana University Medical School at that time. Ben was a member of Skeleton Club, Delta Upsilon Fraternity, Captain in the ROTC and Glee Club. After graduating, Ben served as an Intern at St. Margaret Hospital Hammond, IN 1946-1947. Ben did his residency at the University of Pennsylvania 1948-1949 and graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Radiology. Ben was certified with The American Board of Radiology (1950) and Board Certified by the American College of Radiology (1951). Fellow: Cook County Hospital, Chicago 1949-1957. Ben was a founding member of Radiological Associates of Northwest Indiana serving Porter, LaPorte & other contiguous counties. Ben became a member of the Radiological Society of North America in 1956 and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine in 1978. Ben was licensed to practice Medicine in Indiana, Illinois, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Ben was a member of the Indiana Roentgen Society, Inc., Illinois Roentgen Society and the Chicago Roentgen Society. Dr. Bernard Poracky practiced Medicine for 50 years in Northwest Indiana caring for thousands of patients, many of whom surprised and honored him at his first retirement party by sharing many stories of how he saved their lives and always offered truly compassionate care. Not wanting to stay retired, Ben continued working part-time at Radiological Associates of Northwest Indiana and at Bethlehem Steel following his retirement party. Bernard and his wife Elizabeth were involved in numerous Medical charity organizations. Ben was an avid golfer and member of Innsbrook Country Club and Sand Creek Country Club, where he perfected his “dry” sense of humor. Ben was awarded the “Double Eagle Certificate of Recognition” by Golf Digest Magazine when on October 10, 1971 he shot a Double Eagle on the par 5, “old” 14th hole (2 strokes on a par 5) at Innsbrook Country Club. Ben enjoyed wearing his coveted Green Jacket with the Double Eagle crest. Ben was an accomplished Pianist and enjoyed playing his Steinway Piano, singing and entertaining family, friends and fellow passengers on many overseas cruises. Ben especially enjoyed serenading his late wife Elizabeth at home and playing the piano on Saturday mornings to awaken his sleeping children. Ben also sang with the St. John’s Church Choir, Whiting where he accompanied his father John, the church Cantor. Ben met his beloved late wife Elizabeth (“Betty”), (Valedictorian of her Nursing Class) when serving his internship at St. Margaret Hospital. Bernard and Elizabeth were married on November 20, 1948. Ben and Betty enjoyed traveling the globe, golfing, and spending time with their four children, grandchildren and friends. Ben was a devoted member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, Portage and former parishioner of St. Peter and Paul Church in Merrillville, IN. Friends may visit with Ben’s family Sunday, July 27, 2014, from 3-7 p.m. at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd, Portage, IN, Father Andrew Corona officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials to University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation www.cancer.uchicago.edu/help/research-foundation on behalf of future research by Walter M. Stadler, M.D. On line condolences can be left at www.burnsfuneral.com. The Poracky Family wishes to thank Dr. Michael C. Weiss and VNA Hospice Care.

Bernard F Poracky M.D.

January 29, 1924 - July 23, 2014